Valerio Berruti's 12.5m Sculpture 'Alba' Donated by Ferrero to Revitalize Piazza Michele Ferrero

The municipality of Alba, in collaboration with the Ferrero family, has unveiled a project to renovate Piazza Michele Ferrero, featuring a monumental public sculpture donated by the confectionery company. The work, titled 'Alba,' is a 12.5-meter-tall stainless steel piece by local artist Valerio Berruti. It is expected to become one of the largest public sculptures in Europe. The sculpture depicts a shy child figure, described in Piedmontese dialect as 'genato,' and is designed to interact with the surrounding space, including a circular fountain. The piazza's renovation includes new paving to accommodate events and commercial activities. Berruti expressed gratitude to the Ferrero family and the city administration, hoping the fountain will host celebrations and the sculpture's shadow will serve as a sundial. The project is part of a broader trend of urban regeneration in smaller Italian towns, following examples in Milan and Turin. The Ferrero family, known for brands like Nutella, donated the work in memory of Michele Ferrero, who died in 2015.